Campina
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Campina (near Rio Tinto) is a large, sandy kitesurfing beach with clean water and plenty of space to launch multiple kites. Conditions are shaped by trade winds (Southeast/East Alísios), which are typically strongest in the second half of the year. For wind, the best months are generally July through January, with the most consistent flow usually running from late morning until sunset and peaking in mid-afternoon. Reported typical wind strength is in the 15–25 knots range, and gusts are described as steady. The prevailing wind directions for the spot include Southeast, East, and Northeast. Water conditions are generally clean, with small surf and a beach-break character when waves are present. Currents are noted as moderate, becoming stronger near the Mamanguape river mouth to the north, where visibility can also be affected by rainfall. Occasional driftwood may appear near the river mouth. Safety planning is important: the spot is described as isolated with strong sun and rip currents. There are no lifeguards and rescue coverage is limited (no organized wind-sports rescue service), so riders should rely on preparation and local support. Bring all necessary gear and plan for limited services directly at the beach; emergency services and medical facilities are located in Rio Tinto or Mamanguape, with major emergency services accessible via the regional numbers provided.
- Big sandy beach with clean water
- Trade-wind seasonality with strongest winds from July to January
- Very wide, easy launch area
- Warm water year-round (about 24–28°C by month)
- Big sandy beach with clean water
- Trade-wind pattern with strong reliability in the dry season
- Wide launch area with ample space for multiple kites
- Warm conditions year-round
- No lifeguards
- No organized professional wind-sports rescue services dedicated to the area
- Currents can be stronger near the Mamanguape river mouth
- No on-the-beach gear rental or repairs
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, E, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Southeast/East trade winds (Alísios) dominate; strongest in the second half of the year.
- Reliability
- high during the dry season
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- July, August, September, October, November, December, January
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small
- Launch
- Big — very wide sandy beach with ample space for multiple kites
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Very wide sandy launch with ample space.
Through the year
Generally very quiet and uncrowded; slightly more locals on weekends.
February to May
By sport
What to expect for each.
A spacious, sandy beach with reliable trade winds. Suitable for freeride and wave riding; riders can explore flatter water nearby due to proximity to the Mamanguape estuary.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Open beach with decent conditions for wingfoiling; swell can be choppy. Plenty of depth once away from shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Standard beach-break conditions with generally soft waves; best for longboarding or beginners when the swell is small.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- E, SE
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- onshore winds can make it choppy
- Bigger Swell
- tends to close out in very large swells
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Short
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Campina in the full forecast view.
Campina wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–12 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- E100°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2812 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.0 m6s period
- Temperature
- 25–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Campina is forecast for daytime winds of 5–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.7–1.0 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- strong sun
- rip currents
- isolated location
- moderate currents, especially stronger near the Mamanguape river mouth to the north
- occasional driftwood near the river mouth
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No organized professional wind-sports rescue services dedicated to the area; safety relies on local support (e.g., fishing boats) or fellow riders.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Rio Tinto or Mamanguape; emergency services: 192 (SAMU) or 193 (Firefighters).
Rules of the spot
No specific local regulations found; standard international right-of-way rules apply.
- Bring all necessary gear as there are no shops on the beach.
- Be mindful of the tide when driving on the sand if using a 4x4.
- Visibility near the river mouth can vary depending on rainfall.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- João Pessoa
- Nearest Town
- Rio Tinto
- Nearest Airport
- Presidente Castro Pinto International Airport (JPA)
- Parking
- Parking available in open areas near beach shacks or on the sand in designated spots.
- Public Transport
- Limited regional bus services to Rio Tinto or Mamanguape, followed by local transport or private transfers to the coastal areas
- Access
- From João Pessoa, drive northwest on BR-101 towards Mamanguapé, and before reaching Mamanguapé take PB-025 east to Campina.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Pousadas are available in nearby villages of Baía da Traição or Barra de Mamanguape.
- Food & Drink
- A few simple beach huts (barracas) serving local seafood and drinks are present during weekends and peak season.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental services available directly at this spot.
- Gear Storage
- None available.
- Gear Repair
- None available directly at this spot.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Campina?
The best overall months at Campina are August, September, October, November, December, January. The best wind months are July, August, September, October, November, December, January.
Which wind directions work at Campina?
Campina works with SE, E, NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Campina?
Recommended equipment sizes at Campina: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Campina suitable for?
Campina suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.